Ingredients
This dish comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
If you’re out of mozzarella, feel free to use any melty cheese you have on hand. And if you prefer a bit more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can do wonders.
Instructions
This recipe is as much about the process as it is about the result. Let’s get cooking!
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, honey, and cracked black pepper. Stir to coat and cook for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is well glazed. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic powder and a pinch of salt to the sauce, then gradually stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Fold in the honey pepper chicken, allowing everything to mingle beautifully.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Remember, cooking is an art, not a science. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking or add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International